A National Honor Society for Social Work Students 

Phi Alpha Honor Society is a national social work academic honor society that is dedicated to high standards of scholarship and distinctive achievements within social work. 

Find out more information at the National website,  https://phialpha.org/.

The purposes of Phi Alpha Honor Society are to provide a closer bond among students of social work and promote humanitarian goals and ideals.

Phi Alpha Chi Epsilon, the Grand Valley State University (GVSU) chapter, offers membership to BSW and MSW students to be inducted based on your academic achievement and credit hours spent within the social work program. 

Individuals must meet the following criteria to be invited to join:

BSW Students:

Candidates must have at least junior status.
Completed at least 9 Social Work credits, and have an overall GPA in the top 35% of all Social Work Majors in your program.   

MSW Students:

Candidates must have completed at least:
Regular standing: 12 credit course hours and have a GPA in the top 35% of all students in the program.
Advanced standing: 9 credit course hours completed and have a GPA in the top 35% of all students in the program.

GVSU Membership Dues
The $45.00 fees covers:
   Lifetime membership
   Phi Alpha certificate
   Graduation cords
   Chapter Pins
   Access to various scholarships and awards

Benefits of Membership

Recognition of Academic Excellence
   Social Work's internationally recognized honor society
   Social Work's largest honor society
   Respected by employers, social workers, and college admissions
   National presentation opportunities
   Lifetime membership
   Membership certificate & lapel pin

Promotes Bond among Students
·  Induction ceremony ·        
   Local chapter meetings ·        
   Leadership opportunities ·        
   Student listserv

Promotes Humanitarian Goals and Ideals
·  Community service projects ·        
   Volunteer opportunities ·        
   Alumni participation ·        
   Mentoring

Provides Grants, Awards & Scholarships
·  Patty Gibbs Wahlberg scholarships ·        
   Chapter service awards ·        
   Student travel grants ·        
   Advisor of the year award ·        
   Community service grants ·        
   Student leadership award

For more awards information, please click on the following link: Awards Information

Join us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phialphagvsu
Twitter: https://twitter.com/phialphagvsu
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phialphagvsu

GVSU Faculty Advisor:
Professor Emily Nichols, Assistant Professor

Phi Alpha Executive Board:
Caitlin Brown, President
Lisa Fox, Vice President
Brent Parzuchowski, Treasurer

Mailing Address:
School of Social Work
401 W Fulton Street
DeVos Center, 391C
Grand Rapids, MI. 49504
Phone: (616) 331-6550
Fax: (616) 331-6570
Email:  [email protected]